Summer in Vietnam is regarded as a paradise for family vacations, with diverse options from the North to the South. However, it should be noticeable that the large volume of travelers will be welcomed in sought-after destinations in this peak season, which can make your family trips with kids more hustling.
So, in this blog, our team will give some recommendations that are thoroughly selected for you to get away crowd, immerse in authentic experiences with locals and still savor spectacular scenes! Above all, we are always willing to support your family for comprehensive memories with each other in Vietnam.
Come with DCT Responsible Travel to discover ideal coolcations for family bonding, as your family’s rhythm!
Top things to do in coolcations for family during Vietnam summer
1. Enjoy summer of local children with streams, fields, waterfalls & forests
We have carefully selected spots with easy and safe transport for your family, especially your kids. Stepping into these areas, the summer adventure of your children will be accompanied by new friends from various ethnic groups such as H’Mong, Thai, Dzao, Tay,… An authentic and colorful summer are awaiting them with soaking into streams behind the house or abundant waterfalls, cycling around green rice terraces and experiencing the farmer’s life, or discovering “home-jungles” of local children.
Cycling around the rice fields in Mai Chau
This land, home to sincere and hospitable families will welcome you with a pleasant climate, without dust and pollution like in cities. Seize your opportunity to connect with your host family in traditional stilt houses of multiple generations, filled with cozyness and joy. We believe that you and your kids will forge beautiful friendships beyond language barriers with our villagers.
H’mong people in Mu Cang Chai
These are the destinations you should add to your family checklist in Vietnam:
2. Explore rich fauna and flora in National Parks
Green destinations will a lot capture your kids’ interest! The national parks with diverse ecosystems promise your kids opportunities to immerse themselves in nature, marvel at and explore the beauty of biodiversity, especially the species unique to Vietnam. Various locations with distinct characteristics will provide a wide range of experiences for your family to discover.
Cat Ba National Park
If your family is planning to visit Lan Ha – Cat Ba or Halong Bay, don’t miss the opportunity to expand your trip with a venture into Cat Ba National Park bringing about a chance for your children to learn about wild nature. This is one of Vietnam’s largest special-use forest reserves & recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, conserving numerous marine, terrestrial, and wetland ecosystems, along with rare and precious flora and fauna. Especially, your family will have a chance to admire the golden-headed langur, which is unique to Cat Ba swinging from cliffs or ancient trees.
This land will give your family a comprehensive and meaningful experience for the beach trip as you can explore the biodiversity both underwater and in the forest. Additionally, there are diverse and flexible activities for you and your kids, such as trekking to the summit of Ngu Lam Peak, hiking through the forest, or cycling to visit a peaceful village nestled in this forest area.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Boat ride in the stunning landscape of Van Long Nature Reserve
Located in the 3 provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh & Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s first national park, covering a total area of 22,408 hectares. It is home to 2,234 species of plants and mosses, 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, 66 species of fish, nearly 2,000 species of insects, 135 species of mammals, and 336 species of birds, many of which are listed in the Red Book. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe rare black-and-white langurs, the symbol of Cuc Phuong National Park & many other precious species.
Moreover, summer will be a perfect opportunity for your family to behold the flourishing butterflies and the sparkling light of fireflies, bringing about a unique and romantic beauty. From Cuc Phuong National Park, it’s very flexible for you and your children to visit other highlight attractions in Ninh Binh and Van Long.
Tra Su Cajuput Forest
Taking a sampan to navigate the Ramsar area with your kids and a local guide promises to be a special experience in Vietnam! Your children will cheer with delight for shrimp and fish dart below the water’s surface, while overhead, families of birds gather.
Located in An Giang province, Tra Su cajuput forest is a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta, where your family will be surrounded by the fresh greenery of nearly 140 plant species, and have the opportunity to explore the home of 70 bird species, 11 mammal species, 25 reptile species, and 10 fish species. If you venture into this wild nature when the birds are hunting for food, you and your kids will have a chance to admire and interact with them up close. Catch this moment now!
Nam Cat Tien National Park
Located approximately 160km from Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Cat Tien is one of the largest national parks in Vietnam and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. It is home to 1,500 species of wildlife, including 23 endemic species and 63 species listed in the World Red Book. Well-known as a famous wildlife rescue station, Nam Cat Tien contains bear rescue, crocodile rescue area, primates, monkeys, rare birds, and cat species… The yellow-cheeked gibbon is a special animal species that can only be seen here, requiring your family to wake up early to catch a glimpse of it.
Numerous unique and meaningful activities will take you kids from summer heat and feel excited to join, especially Night Safari, a special experience accompanied by a local guide and forest rangers to learn about the nocturnal life of the animals residing in the deep forest. Trekking is also recommended in this forest area for you and your children to get closer to nature and admire centuries-old giant trees.
3. Row traditional boat and indulge in Vietnamese fruit orchards
One of the refreshing delicacies that you and your family cannot miss when visiting Vietnam in the summer is enjoying the abundance of tropical fruits, many of which you may rarely taste elsewhere. Vietnam’s fruit orchards, notably in the Mekong Delta, thrive in the fertile, nutrient-rich soil deposited by the Mekong River, distributing fruits across the country.
Traditional boats on Mekong Delta | Source: Unsplash
Let’s embark on a traditional boat ride with a local guide, gently sway through floating markets and let your children explore and select their favorite fruits to taste. It’s a delightful experience for your summer family vacation with a diverse array of fruits awaiting, including jackfruit, rambutan, durian, watermelon, dragon fruit, mangosteen, longan, passion fruit, lychee, star apples, sapodilla, and so on.
Long Xuyen floating market
4. Soak into emerald waters and explore coastal life with locals
This is undoubtedly an unmissable experience with your kids to create a vibrant family vacation filled with sun, sea, and sand. Diving into the cool and azure sea, participating in underwater or dune games, has always been appealing to travelers, especially children. However, be wise in finding less-crowded beaches to avoid touristy spots, securing an ample space for your family to enjoy together.
Soak into emerald waters and explore coastal life with locals at Lan Ha Bay
Then, give your children a deeper and more authentic experience by immersing them in the life of a true fisherma, in fishing villages or right on local fishing boats. This is an opportunity for your children to gain a deep insight into the life of Vietnamese fishermen, learn how to fish, and return to the boat with fresh seafood, which you can then enjoy with a fresh beer like a local.
Fishing village in Phan Thiet, Vietnam
Below are the recommended destinations we have selected:
Check out the collection of Top Destinations for Vietnam Summer, where you will find experiences for a cool summer and be ready to plan with your kids right away!
Tips when traveling with kids in Vietnam
1. What to bring?
- Swimming suit
- Sun & rain gear (including sunscreen and brimmed hat)
- Insect repellent
- Walking shoes/sandals
- Original passport
2. What to keep in mind?
- Food: If your kids need some break from Vietnamese food, you can prepare some snacks in advance or it’s easy to find your familiar food in some Western restaurant, easy find in everywhere (such as Pizza 4P’s, an enterprise pursuing sustainable development)
- Transport: If your family visit some cities, you can feel the extreme heat of summer. Therefore, it’s better if you travel around by taxi and only walk in the early morning or in the evening.
- Recommendation for a taxi: Xanh SM – electric cars produced by Vingroup with comfortably seat 3-5 people depending on options, and you don’t need to worry about the excessively high price or professionalism.
